Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.4
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः । कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति ॥४॥
aparaṃ bhavato janma paraṃ janma vivasvataḥ | kathametadvijānīyāṃ tvamādau proktavāniti ||4||
Complete Shloka Translation
Your birth was later, and Vivasvan's birth earlier. How am I to understand that you taught this at the beginning?
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| जन्म | janma | birth |
| कथम् | katham | how |
| अपरं | aparaṃ | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
| भवतो | bhavato | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
| परं | paraṃ | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
| विवस्वतः | vivasvataḥ | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
| कथमेतद्विजानीयां | kathametadvijānīyāṃ | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
| त्वमादौ | tvamādau | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
| प्रोक्तवानिति | proktavāniti | [term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva... |
birth
how
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
[term] in context of Your birth was later, and Viva...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Arjuna asks about the apparent conflict in chronology. His question opens Krishna's explanation of divine manifestation.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"A sincere question can deepen trust rather than weaken it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What sincere question would help clarify a difficult teaching?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.